Well, it's actually an ancient Japanese form, but it's new to me, and I kind of...
LOVE IT.
Which is nice, because traditionally, somonkas are written on that very subject: love.
Even more fun, the somonka is a two-voiced poem, composed of one "statement" poem (syllable count 57577) and one "response" poem (same syllable count.)
I guess we could've waited to do these love-themed delights until February, but Liz took charge (as usual) and made sure January would not be poem-less. Thank you, Liz.
I wrote mine yesterday before I got my eyes dilated at the eye doctor. (A poet writes when she can.)
If you want to try one, know that you can write them with another poet, or compose both halves of the somonka yourself. They are unrhymed and usually have a title. Just remember the love theme: true love, sisterly love, unrequited love, pet love, any kind of love at all. Mine is about love, apart.
Apart
Defrosting the fish
while writing you this letter
no scales, fins, or tail
nothing to do but wait, love
headless, we still shed the sea
I’m lonely as cod
too, dear; I’ll put your letter
to nose, cheek, to bed;
You’ve eaten by now; how cold
paper is; an ocean, drained.
Don't miss the love my Poetry Sisters are sharing today, too:
Liz
Tricia
Kelly
Tanita
Laura
Poetry Friday is hosted today by Linda at TeacherDance.
